League One news: Power respects Martin Ling's decision to resign as Swindon Town boss

Sports Reporter

Swindon chairman Lee Power accepts that some things are "far more important than football" after the resignation of manager Martin Ling due to ill health.

he 49-year-old was in the position for just 56 days when he stepped down on Tuesday and he had guided the club from 23rd to 16th in the Sky Bet League 1 table after overseeing five wins from his eight league games in charge.

Ling took time out for depression during his time as Torquay manager in February 2013 and the Swindon job was his first managerial role since he left Plainmoor.

Power said in a statement released by the club: "Martin rang me yesterday morning to let me know that he was resigning as manager. I was both shocked and extremely saddened but fully respected his decision.

"In a very short period of time, Martin has done an excellent job by winning five of his eight league games in charge and moving us out of and away from the League One relegation zone.

"Martin has proved that he is still a very good football manager but sometimes in life, things are far more important than football and Martin felt that the stresses of the job were not good for his health going forward.

"With his previous health issues, he felt that staying in the job was a risk he could not take for the sake of his family. Everyone at Swindon Town fully respects his decision and he will always be welcome back at the County Ground.

"I would like to place on record my personal thanks to Martin. He is a football man through and through and is a very honest, hard-working man who loves Swindon Town Football Club.

"I saw Martin this morning and he asked me to thank his staff, the players and the supporters for their backing during his time at the club."

Assistant manager Luke Williams will be in charge for Saturday's game at Port Vale and the club have already begun a search for a replacement for Ling.